Shetland Islands

For remoteness and adventure in the very north of Britain, Shetland, an archipelago of islands halfway between the UK and Norway, offers all the best of Scotland but without the crowds. Some 170km off the country’s north coast, travelers will find small Shetland ponies roaming wild, a vast playground for outdoor adventures, and a people that likes their knitwear cozy and their Viking traditions alive and kicking.

If you’ve been inspired by stories about wildlife spotting in Shetland, known as the sea otter capital of the UK, or dining on the archipelago’s fabulous salt grass-fed lamb and cold water seafood, you may consider including a visit to this remarkable destination during your UK vacation.